This may stir up some debate, but I think this open carry testing is pushing the envelope a bit too far. I believe strongly in the 2nd Amendment, but there’s a balance to be struck here.
We don’t have the right to do whatever we please without limits. The free expression of our rights ends where that expression infringes on someone else’s rights.
Now if we allow folks to walk around in public openly carrying, we have to allow everyone. Even the folks that don’t look too savory. Image sitting down for dinner and seeing a gang-banger come in with his baggy pants down below his waist, hat on backward, tatoos, attitude, etc..., with a gun strapped on. Would it make you look twice? Would it make you or your wife or your kids feel uncomfortable or nervous? Your rights have just been infringed. The sight of a gun in public makes some people feel threatened. I’m not saying that’s right or wrong, its just the way it is.
Let me put it another way. Most people don’t mind if you are a homosexual, but they don’t want to see you openly displaying your homosexuality in public. Don’t ask don’t tell. Its for the same reason that Texas has concealed carry but not open carry. We don’t mind if you’re packing, we just don’t want to know about it.
My concern is that this open carry “testing” is going to backfire.
One: No ones rights have been infringed if they feel uncomfortable with someone else exercising their rights. It is just plain ridiculous to say that. If I am carrying a firearm I don't care who else carries one, and those gang bangers are going to be stopped quite often by police and their records checked if they are carrying openly.
Also, so you think gang bangers don't carry now? They simply carry concealed with out regards to permits, the only difference is if they shoot you in Taco Bell you won't know it is coming until it is to late. A feeling of security doesn't mean you really are secure.
One more thing, do you think the uneasiness people feel on seeing gang members not carrying openly, but simply looking scuzzy and dangerous infringes on their rights also? Only a liberal thinks we have the right to not be offended in some way or another, no such right exists.